Former NBA player Jason Collins passed away at the age of 47 after fighting brain cancer, according to his family.
Collins died from glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable kind of brain cancer, following what his family called a “valiant fight.”
The statement was made via the National Basketball Association, as it was reported on Wednesday.
After having trouble focusing, he disclosed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with the illness. A fast growing brain tumor, which he characterized as “a monster with tentacles spreading across the underside of my brain,” was eventually confirmed by doctors.
Collins stated at the time of his diagnosis that he was receiving specialized treatment overseas, targeted chemotherapy, and medications like Avastin to delay the illness’s growth.
Collins was honored by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who stated that his impact went well beyond basketball.
According to Silver, “Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”
He went on to say that Collins would be remembered for his humanity and generosity in addition to his ability to break down barriers.
When Collins came out as homosexual in public in 2013, he became the first male athlete in a major American professional team sport to do so.
Many people considered his declaration, which appeared in Sports Illustrated, to be a turning point for LGBTQ visibility in sports.
Collins was a free agent at the time, and it wasn’t obvious if his choice would put an end to his NBA career. Later on, he made a comeback to the NBA and rejoined his original team, the Brooklyn Nets.
Collins played for six teams over a 13-year NBA career, including the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and New Jersey Nets. Respected as a reliable presence in the locker room, he was well-known for his defensive position at center.
The Nets praised his efforts on the court as well as his broader influence on the sport, saying they were “heartbroken” by his passing.
According to the squad, “those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person.” “The game—and the world—were advanced by his bravery and genuineness.”
